Dayton becomes governor-elect

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More than one month after the election, Democrat Mark Dayton becomes the first DFL governor in decades. Governor-elect Dayton reflected that he thinks that last DFL Governor Rudy Perpich would be proud of him. In fact, Dayton was with the Perpich family Tuesday night. Dayton plans to move in to the governor’s mansion with his two German Shepherds. His two adult sons stood by his side and ex-wife was in the crowd as he thanked Republican Tom Emmer for a gracious concession done with “integrity and character.”

Dayton didn’t want to delve into policy specifics. He expects to announce staff hires within 48 hours likely starting with a chief of staff. The Democrat said he’ll continue to work for a “progressive tax system” and hopes to deliver on more money for education. Dayton will opt-in to federal health care as soon as he takes office January 3rd, a move Democratic lawmakers say will infuse a billion dollars into Minnesota hospitals. Today Gov. Pawlenty will hold a news conference with Gov.-elect Dayton.